Apparatus for processing data packet of ethernet switch system and method thereof

An apparatus for processing a data packet of an Ethernet switch system, comprising:

• at least one MAC for detecting the packet from a bit stream;
• a search memory where MAC addresses are stored;
• at least one search engine positioned at the same layer with the MAC and determining an output port of the packet before the MAC completes the detecting operation of the packet based on an address detected and provided by the MAC on a real-time basis and the MAC address searched in the search memory, wherein the search engine is directly connected to the MAC;
• FIFOs for buffering the packet detected by the MAC;
• and
• a control unit for performing an overall control operation.

A method for processing a data packet of an Ethernet switch system in which packet information is transferred from a first device to a second device on the basis of field information of the packet inputted through an Ethernet, comprising the steps of:

• detecting a first address from the packet inputted to a predetermined input port of at least one MAC through the Ethernet;
• determining an output port of the packet with at least one search engine before the MAC completes the detecting operation of the packet based on the first address provided from the MAC on a real-time basis and a MAC address stored in a search memory, wherein the MAC and the search engine are positioned on a same layer;
• checking whether the output port is available for use or not;
• and
• transferring the packet detected from the MAC to the Ethernet through the output port.